Get Away: Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Explore more than 50 acres of spectacular gardens at Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and take advantage of a yearlong celebration of horticultural displays, art exhibits (including works by artist-in-residence Kyle Epps), live music and more in celebration of the garden’s 40th anniversary. 

Three new categories of classes and tours make their debut this season: Botany & Ecology; Beekeeping, Birding & Bugs; and Plant Play Make & Take Workshops.

Lush displays of peonies, irises and roses will appear in succession throughout May and into June. With nearly 2,000 blooms in Lewis Ginter’s 9,000-square-foot Cochrane Rose Garden, you can find dozens of rose varieties from around the world—including Rosa ‘Cherry Parfait,’ a stunner whose white petals appear to have been dipped in pink. Visit May 18-19 for the Richmond Rose Society Show and get advice on growing roses. Weather affects bloom times. Check the garden’s social media for updates.

Adding sound to your sight and scent experience, the Groovin’ in the Garden concert series returns after nearly a decade to the rose garden’s terraced lawn. Alt-country and folk-infused rock band Carbon Leaf kicks off the season on May 30. Tickets begin at $38.

In addition, Flowers After 5 concerts (included with admission) showcase local and regional musicians most Thursday nights. Leashed dogs are allowed at select performances.

Numerous peaceful paths and woodsy trails wind past sculptures and blooming flower beds. Climb the stairs of the new Klaus Family Tree House for expansive views of the gardens and lake below. If you’ve got little ones who need to blow off steam, head to the new splash pad in the children’s garden.

The botanical garden is open year-round, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: adults, $20; seniors (age 65+) or military, $15; youth (ages 3-12), $10; members and children (under age 3), free. Note: Visitors who live 50+ miles from the garden receive $20 off on all general membership levels. Individual membership ($95) includes admission for one, plus two guest passes, discounts on garden classes, 10% off at the garden gift shop, and free admission to American Horticultural Society affiliate gardens. 

Double your exploration time in the gardens with an overnight stay at the nearby Museum District Bed & Breakfast, where you can relax on a big front porch.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, 804-262-9887